The group of centrist Democrats in the State Senate known as the Independent Democratic Caucus have released a report that says that legalizing same sex marriage would bring the state $391 million in revenue, savings and increased economic activity three years after it became law.

“This report shows that bringing marriage equality to New York will not only be a victory for human rights,” said Sen. Diane Savino of Staten Island. “It will also have a positive economic impact on the Empire State.”

The report arrives at its figure by adding up the revenue from more weddings and greater tourism as well as the revenue that having more people clear extra bureaucratic hurdles –such as marriage licenses and the like–would bring. The report posits that not only would same-sex New Yorkers rush to the altar, but those from out-of-state would come here as well, either for a “destination wedding” or to have a legalized ceremony if their home state prevents it.

The IDC have striven to walk a very moderate path since they formed at the beginning of the year, and the fact that they are lobbying for gay marriage is a boon to the measures’ supporters.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is barnstorming around the state this month in order to gather support for marriage equality, but no timetable has been set ot bring a bill to the floor.

Full report below:

 Marriage Equality Report Final

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